Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Marking Justice Scalia's Words

Ten years ago this very day, in his dissent from the ruling in Lawrence v. Texas, Justice Scalia issued a "mark my words" warning: the gays will want marriage next, he said (well, in so many words). Justice Scalia was right, of course, as gay Americans were already maneuvering a series of marriage lawsuits back in 2003.

Today, gays affirmed that Justice Scalia was right. And we did it with the help of the Supreme Court, who struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), characterizing it as an act discrimination motived by "animus." The Court invoked equal protection matters (the same argument used to strike down the Texas Homosexual Conduct law). The Court also ground its ruling in an understanding of federalism that permits states to make their own marriage laws.

Wow. This is a really big deal. I'll have a lot more to say soon enough. But for now, I'll be out celebrating my equality under the law.

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About Me

I am with the resistance for as long as it takes. I think the GOP-enabled Donald Trump has become a permanent stain on our national integrity. I like to read (I just finished Anya Seton’s The Hearth and Eagle), garden, cook, and talk.
I love… making Valentines, garden plans, my amaryllis bulb, stripes, my new rug, crepes with nutella, inquisitive 7th graders, Friday nights, daffodil bouquets, lengthening days, homemade soup, front porch plans, hot tea, playing cards, southern accents, note pads, watching the sunrise, teaching about Thomas Jefferson, morning coffee, time for a workout.